Sports Performance Test

Age restriction on blood tests

We're unable to offer blood tests for those under the age of 18 unless it is part of a routine GP appointment and the clinician believes it suitable.

The Sports Performance Blood Test analyses a range of biomarkers, including:

• FBC (Full Blood Count): Provides information on red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, and hematocrit, which are important for oxygen transport and endurance. Optimal levels support aerobic capacity and overall athletic performance.
• Heart Health Profile: Assesses cholesterol levels and cardiac enzymes, which can help identify cardiovascular risk factors and ensure proper heart function. Managing cholesterol levels and detecting heart muscle damage supports cardiovascular health and optimal performance.
• TAS (Total Antioxidant Status): Measures the body's antioxidant capacity, which helps protect against oxidative stress caused by intense exercise. Maintaining a balanced antioxidant status supports recovery, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall health.
• Folic acid: Crucial for red blood cell production and tissue repair. Adequate levels support energy production, oxygen delivery, and optimal muscle function, enhancing endurance and overall performance.
• Vitamin B12: Involved in energy metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell production. Sufficient levels support energy production, mental focus, and overall performance.
• Vitamin D: Plays a role in muscle function, bone health, and immune function. Optimal levels support muscle strength, bone density, and overall physical performance.
• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Regulates thyroid hormone production, influencing metabolism, energy production, and body temperature. Monitoring TSH levels helps maintain thyroid function for optimal energy levels and overall performance.
• T3 and T4: Thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, energy production, and body temperature. Monitoring their levels helps ensure optimal thyroid function, supporting energy metabolism and athletic performance.
• Cortisol: A stress hormone that affects energy metabolism, inflammation, and muscle breakdown. Balancing cortisol levels through stress management techniques supports recovery, muscle growth, and overall performance.
• DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate): A hormone precursor involved in hormone production, including testosterone. Optimising DHEA-S levels can support hormonal balance, muscle growth, and overall athletic performance.
• Liver Health Profile: Assesses liver enzymes and markers, which help evaluate liver function and detect abnormalities. Maintaining liver health supports detoxification, nutrient metabolism, and overall performance.
• Male Hormone Health Profile or Female Hormone Health Profile: Assess hormone levels specific to each gender, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Balancing hormone levels is essential for optimal muscle growth, recovery, and overall athletic performance.
• Glucose and HbA1c: Levels reflect blood sugar control and carbohydrate metabolism. Maintaining stable glucose levels support energy availability, endurance, and performance. HbA1c is a screening test for diabetes and prediabetes.
• Iron status markers: Assess iron levels and storage, including serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and energy production. Optimal iron levels support endurance, oxygen-carrying capacity, and athletic performance.
• Urinalysis: Information on hydration status, kidney function, and potential infections or abnormalities. Maintaining proper hydration and kidney function is important for overall health and performance.
• Iron Status Profile: Evaluates multiple markers related to iron metabolism to assess iron levels, deficiencies, or excess. Optimal iron status is vital for red blood cell production, oxygen transport, and energy metabolism, enhancing endurance and performance.
• CRP (C-reactive Protein): An inflammation marker. Monitoring CRP levels helps identify and manage systemic inflammation affecting recovery, injury risk, and overall performance.
• Kidney Health Profile: Assesses creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) markers to evaluate kidney function. Maintaining kidney health supports fluid balance, waste removal, and overall health.
• CK (Creatine Kinase), CK-MB, and Myoglobin: Assess muscle damage and breakdown. Monitoring these markers helps evaluate muscle recovery and adapt training programmes to optimise performance and minimise the risk of injury.
• Bone Health Profile: Assesses markers such as calcium, vitamin D, and bone-specific proteins to evaluate bone health and density. Maintaining optimal bone health is crucial for strength, injury prevention, and overall athletic performance.